A beautiful day for my last summit. I was actually considering doing this peak via Ellingwood Ridge but after Princeton, I did not feel like making things hard on myself and decided to just take the main trail and enjoy my last summit of the summer. Once on the summit, I was all alone and it was the best view I had all week long. I decided to do what I always wanted to do, and thus I beat off right there on the summit and left a piece of me for everyone to enjoy. It was a great culmination to a hard week of peakbagging.

My 2nd attempt (first Oct. 2000, started out too late, partner was out of shape and slowed us down as well); coming off night shift, didn't sleep at TH camp, indigestion from failing vegetarian diet, drank 3 beers night before, altitude sickness started at peak and lasted for a while down, dry heaves and all. Made it, though!

A beautiful day, with clear sunny skies (and I left my camera in the car!!). Summitted with Spencer the dog, who had quite a bit of trouble with the talus on the descent- I had to help and coax him the whole way down until the rocks turned back to dirt trail, even though it was his 8th 14'er (my 17th, not counting repeats and alternate routes). Class 1's for him in the future, I think.

Great first summit of the year! One small section of trail still under snow, but can easily be avoided with some easy boulder hopping. Snow was very firm early in the day, so we went straight up with our Yax Trax.

Had to sit out an afternoon storm during this one...even though it was to be expected. Witnessed the most beautiful sunset and alpenglow on the way down. Worth the fear experienced when lightening struck nearby as we were just above treeline.

This hike has some of the best scenery Colorado has to offer. The aspens were arrayed in a golden robe. A jagged peak rises above the end of the valley the trail follows early on. The view of Ellingwood ridge was also great. And they we saw some Mtn. Goats in the distance. The weather was less than ideal, and I considered turning back, but my friend who has been on many 14ers, convinced me to summit. Due to a lack of acclimatization, this hike was actually more difficult for me than Longs Peak.